Death after arrest in Tajikistan: family complains of torture!

Death after arrest in Tajikistan: family complains of torture!

A tragic case that raises questions: 29-year-old Saidazam Rahmonov from Frankenberg, northern Hesse, died under mysterious circumstances in Tajikistan. According to his family, Rahmonov, who was living in Germany with his German wife, was arrested at Dushanbe airport because security forces discovered religious videos on his cell phone. He was detained by Tajik authorities on October 6 and his family received his body back a week later, which bore clear signs of torture. The allegations range from electric shocks to bruises and a broken leg, while authorities claim Rahmonov committed suicide and was suspected of belonging to the Islamic State terrorist group. Fr.de reports that the German embassy is trying to clarify the circumstances, while the Tajik embassy in Berlin states that the forensic medical examination did not reveal any acts of violence.

Rahmonov's family has made serious allegations against the Tajik and German authorities. She believes Rahmonov was treated unfairly and calls for an independent investigation into his death. In particular, the immigration authority of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district is the focus of criticism because it rejects the allegations and explains that Rahmonov traveled to Tajikistan of his own decision. In reality, however, he did not have a legal residence permit in Germany and was therefore dependent on obtaining a visa in Tajikistan. The situation shines a harsh light on the arcane practices prevailing in Tajikistan under long-time President Emomali Rahmon.

Religious persecution and human rights situation

Rahmonov's tragic fate is not an isolated case. Under the rule of President Rahmon, who has been in power for 30 years, the country has suffered from strict surveillance of religious practices. [RFE/RL reports that pressure on civil society is constantly increasing. In recent years, many human rights activists and critics of the regime have been arrested, often on charges of extremism or planning terrorist attacks. These methods are used to suppress any dissent and the exercise of religious practices.

UN Special Rapporteur Mary Lawlor has condemned Tajik authorities for the systematic torture and ill-treatment of detainees. In a recent interview, she said the human rights situation in Tajikistan remains worrying, with numerous detentions of activists who are being sentenced in unfair trials without adequate legal representation. Their reports reflect poor prison conditions and make it clear that the government is committed to nipping any resistance in the bud.

A call for enlightenment and justice

Given the shocking circumstances, Freedom for Eurasia is calling for a full and independent investigation into the death of Saidazam Rahmonov. The family hopes their case can raise awareness of the human rights situation in Tajikistan and spark a broader discussion about the region's complex challenges. The events surrounding Rahmonov clearly show that the cry for justice and education must continue to be heard, and opens conversations about the necessary support for victims of human rights violations and the challenges faced by witnesses to torture and state repression.

At a time when human rights issues are becoming increasingly pressing, the Rahmonov case calls into question not only the responsibility of the Tajik authorities, but also that of the international community, which is called upon to take clear positions and actively work to uphold human rights.